Why is the Valorant streamer ShahZaM is facing threats?

The esports community may be one of the most bustling and fastest growing communities, which is a double-edged sword. While more people feel included and represented, it also ensures that every community has all sorts of people and controversies.

For example, the most common controversies result in streamers and creators getting violent threats from fans. ShahZaM is the most recent creator to face these threats, and the reason for this is related to certain gambling acts related to high-level ranked Valorant matches.

Here’s what to know about ShahZaM and why the Valorant streamer is facing violent threats.

Why did ShahZaM receive violent threats over Valorant ranked matches?

Popular Valorant streamer Shahzeeb “ShahZaM” Khan faced violent threats after exposing alleged gambling activity tied to high-level ranked matches. During a live stream, ShahZaM identified a game being bet on and criticized the manipulation of matches by people who buy accounts to intentionally throw games. Shortly after, he received menacing texts, including one threatening to “open loans in your name” using his social security number and another warning of “4 men with AR-15s at your door.” The messages aimed to intimidate him into silence, using personal information and threats of physical harm.

ShahZaM has accused third-party gambling operations of ruining Valorant’s competitive integrity, claiming Riot Games ignored multiple reports. “We’ve been dealing with our ranked games on betting websites for a couple of years now … they’ve continued not to do anything,” he tweeted. Despite publicizing the threats, ShahZaM has not confirmed whether he alerted law enforcement or Riot’s security team, leaving the community skeptical.

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Valorant community demands action from Riot Games

The threats against ShahZaM have caused concerns about player safety and gambling in Valorant. High-profile streamers and pros state that betting sites exploit ranked matches, with boosted accounts and match-fixing undermining competitive play. ShahZaM’s experience highlights risks for creators, such as gamblers monitoring streams to influence outcomes and escalations to doxxing and violence when challenged.

Riot Games hasn’t publicly addressed ShahZaM’s claims or the issue of ranked match betting. The lack of response frustrates players, as tier-2 tournaments and high-ELO matches face similar issues. ShahZaM, a veteran pro-turned-streamer, emphasized that without systemic changes, Valorant’s ranked mode might become a “playground for gamblers.”